The screening of Shahid, the powerful biographical drama directed by Hansal Mehta, saw a gathering of some of the brightest stars from Bollywood, including Rajkummar Rao, Prabhleen Sandhu, Mukesh Chhabra, and many others. The event was a celebration of the film's success, which tells the gripping and emotional story of Shahid Azmi, a lawyer and human rights activist tragically assassinated in 2010.
Shahid was written by Sameer Gautam Singh and produced by Anurag Kashyap, Sunil Bohra, Ronnie Screwvala, and Siddharth Roy Kapur under the UTV Spotboy banner. The film takes a deep dive into Azmi’s life, showcasing his courageous fight for justice amidst the socio-political turmoil in India. Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal of Shahid Azmi was widely praised, with his heartfelt performance leading to several accolades, including the Best Actor Award at the 61st National Film Awards.
Mehta’s decision to bring Azmi's story to the screen came after the tragic news of his assassination. Having experienced some box-office setbacks, Mehta found new inspiration in Azmi's life, compelling him to pursue a film that would speak to the importance of justice and human rights. After beginning his research nearly three months after Azmi's murder, Mehta collaborated with Sameer Gautam Singh, who spent months interviewing Azmi’s family to write the screenplay. The film's script also saw contributions from Apurva Asrani, who worked on the editing alongside Mehta, while Anuj Rakesh Dhawan was the director of photography.
Shahid was widely lauded for its emotional depth and storytelling, receiving critical acclaim at various film festivals. At the Mumbai Film Festival, it won the Silver Gateway Trophy, and Mehta bagged the Best Director Award. The film also received recognition at the New York Indian Film Festival and the Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart, further solidifying its place as a remarkable piece of cinema.
Released theatrically in India on October 18, 2013, Shahid not only resonated with audiences but also made a significant impact in the industry. Rajkummar Rao's performance remains a standout, marking a milestone in his career and earning him the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor. Hansal Mehta’s vision and direction have forever etched Shahid into the hearts of those who value impactful storytelling.